Methods and devices to realize power phase load balancing using a software controlled power switch matrix in a power distribution unit

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, embodiments detecting and correcting load imbalance on power supply phases within a managed scope using a software controlled power switch matrix that is resident in each power distribution unit supplying power in the managed scope. Managed scope could include a plurality of power distribution units supplying a plurality of circuit or equipment loads in a plurality of premises. On each PDU, the software controlled switch matrix maintains and changes physical coupling of power supply phases to circuit and equipment loads. Further embodiments include correcting power supply phase load imbalances through software commands to adjust the coupling of power supply phases to circuit or equipment loads. Embodiments are intended to help power administrators maintain power supply phase load balance effectively in a managed scope. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/113,503 filed Aug. 27, 2018. All sections of the aforementionedapplication(s) and/or patent(s) are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a methods and devices for adjustingloading of power phases using a software controlled power matrix.

BACKGROUND

Operations centers for telecommunication services providers or dataservices providers include premises equipment that are coupled to power(e.g. three-phase power). Premises equipment can be stored in cabinetsat each of the operations centers. Further, premises equipment comprisescards that carry electronic devices such as servers or storage devicesthat provide various services (e.g. video content, media content, socialmedia, email, streaming, etc.). Each card is coupled to a socket on thecabinet and is provided power by a power distribution unit. Anaggregation of cards/premises equipment via their respective sockets cancomprise one or more loads on phases supplied by the power distributionunit resulting in the power distribution unit carrying several loads ofpower. However, if there is a load imbalance, a circuit breaker on thepower distribution unit may be tripped powering down the premisesequipment and discontinuing operation of telecommunication services ordata services, accordingly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a communications network in accordance with variousaspects described herein.

FIG. 2A-B—are block diagrams illustrating example, non-limitingembodiments of systems functioning within the communication network ofFIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2C depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a virtualized communication network in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIGS. 4A-4B are block diagrams of examples, non-limiting embodiments ofa computing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of amobile network platform in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acommunication device in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for a system comprising a plurality of power distributionunits (PDUs), each of the PDUs comprising a local power distributioncontroller (LPDUC) embedded therein, each of the PDUs comprising asoftware controlled power switch matrix (SCPSM) (SCPSM can beimplemented in hardware through an ASIC chip) embedded therein, and acentral power distribution controller (CPDUC), a managed scope of theCPDUC comprises the plurality of PDUs supplying a plurality of circuitsor equipment loads in a plurality of premises, operations of the CPDUCcomprise receiving phase load data from the LPDUC for each power socketof each PDU located in the managed scope, generating an aggregate powerphase load profile for one or more of three power supply phases poweringthe managed scope based on the phase load data received from the LPDUCfor each power socket of each PDU located in the managed scope,detecting a power phase load imbalance within the managed scope, andproviding instructions to at least one LPDUC to change a power phasecoupled to the plurality of circuits or equipment loads supplied by atleast one of the plurality of PDUs within the managed scope to improvethe power phase load imbalance in real time. The at least one LPDUCutilizes the SCPSM to change a physical coupling of the power phase tothe plurality of circuits or equipment loads without a need for a powerdown of the plurality of circuits or equipment loads supplied throughthe affected PDU affected by the phase coupling changes. Otherembodiments are described in the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a system. Thesystem comprising a plurality of power distribution units (PDUs), eachof the PDUs comprising a local power distribution controller (LPDUC)embedded therein, each of the PDUs comprising a software controlledpower switch matrix (SCPSM) embedded therein, and a central powerdistribution controller (CPDUC). A managed scope of the CPDUC comprisesthe plurality of PDUs supplying a plurality of circuits or equipmentloads in a plurality of premises. Operations of the CPDUC comprisereceiving phase load data from the LPDUC for each power socket of eachPDU located in the managed scope, generating an aggregate power phaseload profile for one or more of three power supply phases powering themanaged scope based on the phase load data received from the LPDUC foreach power socket of each PDU located in the managed scope, detecting apower phase load imbalance within the managed scope, and providinginstructions to at least one LPDUC to change a power phase coupled tothe plurality of circuits or equipment loads supplied by at least one ofthe plurality of PDUs within the managed scope to improve the powerphase load imbalance in real time. The at least one LPDUC utilizes theSCPSM to change a physical coupling of the power phase to the pluralityof circuits or equipment loads without a need for a power down of theplurality of circuits or equipment loads supplied through the affectedPDU affected by the phase coupling changes.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a non-transitory,machine-readable medium, comprising executable instructions that, whenexecuted by a processing system including a processor, facilitateperformance of operations. The operations comprising receiving phaseload data from a local power distribution controller (LPDUC) for eachpower socket of each power distribution unit (PDU) located in a managedscope. The CPDUC communicates with a plurality of power distributionunits (PDUs), each of the PDUs comprising the LPDUC embedded therein,each of the PDUs comprising a software controlled power switch matrix(SCPSM) embedded therein. The managed scope of the CPDUC comprises theplurality of PDUs supplying a plurality of circuits or equipment loadsin a plurality of premises. Further operations comprise generating anaggregate power phase load profile for one or more of three power supplyphases powering the managed scope based on the phase load data receivedfrom the LPDUC for each power socket of each PDU located in the managedscope, detecting a power phase load imbalance within the managed scope,and providing instructions to at least one LPDUC to change a power phasecoupled to the plurality of circuits or equipment loads supplied by atleast one of the plurality of PDUs within the managed scope to improvethe power phase load imbalance in real time. The at least one LPDUCutilizes the SCPSM to change a physical coupling of the power phase tothe plurality of circuits or equipment loads without a need for a powerdown of the plurality of circuits or equipment loads supplied throughthe affected PDU affected by the phase coupling changes.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a method. Themethod can include receiving, by a central power distribution controller(CPDUC), phase load data from a local power distribution controller(LPDUC) for each power socket of each power distribution unit (PDU)located in a managed scope. The CPDUC communicates with a plurality ofpower distribution units (PDUs), each of the PDUs comprising the LPDUCembedded therein, each of PDUs comprising a software controlled powerswitch matrix (SCPSM) embedded therein. The managed scope of the CPDUCcomprises the plurality of PDUs supplying a plurality of circuits orequipment loads in a plurality of premises. Further, the methodcomprises generating, by the CPDUC, an aggregate power phase loadprofile for one or more of three power supply phases powering themanaged scope based on the phase load data received from the LPDUC foreach power socket of each PDU located in the managed scope, detecting,by the CPDUC, a power phase load imbalance within the managed scope, andproviding, by the CPDUC, instructions to at least one LPDUC to change apower phase coupled to the plurality of circuits or equipment loadssupplied by at least one of the plurality of PDUs within the managedscope to improve the power phase load imbalance in real time. The atleast one LPDUC utilizes the SCPSM to change a physical coupling of thepower phase to the plurality of circuits or equipment loads without aneed for a power down of the plurality of circuits or equipment loadssupplied through the affected PDU affected by the phase couplingchanges.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a block diagram is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a communications network 100 inaccordance with various aspects described herein. In one or moreembodiments, communications network 100 comprises data centers thatinclude equipment. Local power distribution unit controller(s) andcentral power distribution unit controller(s) provide and manage threephase power to the equipment to improve phase load imbalances.

In particular, a communications network 125 is presented for providingbroadband access 110 to a plurality of data terminals 114 via accessterminal 112, wireless access 120 to a plurality of mobile devices 124and vehicle 126 via base station or access point 122, voice access 130to a plurality of telephony devices 134, via switching device 132 and/ormedia access 140 to a plurality of audio/video display devices 144 viamedia terminal 142. In addition, communication network 125 is coupled toone or more content sources 175 of audio, video, graphics, text and/orother media. While broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voiceaccess 130 and media access 140 are shown separately, one or more ofthese forms of access can be combined to provide multiple accessservices to a single client device (e.g., mobile devices 124 can receivemedia content via media terminal 142, data terminal 114 can be providedvoice access via switching device 132, and so on).

The communications network 125 includes a plurality of network elements(NE) 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. for facilitating the broadband access 110,wireless access 120, voice access 130, media access 140 and/or thedistribution of content from content sources 175. The communicationsnetwork 125 can include a circuit switched or packet switched network, avoice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network, Internet protocol (IP)network, a cable network, a passive or active optical network, a 4G, 5G,or higher generation wireless access network, WIMAX network,UltraWideband network, personal area network or other wireless accessnetwork, a broadcast satellite network and/or other communicationsnetwork.

In various embodiments, the access terminal 112 can include a digitalsubscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS), optical line terminal (OLT) and/or other access terminal.The data terminals 114 can include personal computers, laptop computers,netbook computers, tablets or other computing devices along with digitalsubscriber line (DSL) modems, data over coax service interfacespecification (DOCSIS) modems or other cable modems, a wireless modemsuch as a 4G, 5G, or higher generation modem, an optical modem and/orother access devices.

In various embodiments, the base station or access point 122 can includea 4G, 5G, or higher generation base station, an access point thatoperates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n, 802.11ac or otherwireless access terminal. The mobile devices 124 can include mobilephones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless modems, and/or othermobile computing devices.

In various embodiments, the switching device 132 can include a privatebranch exchange or central office switch, a media services gateway, VoIPgateway or other gateway device and/or other switching device. Thetelephony devices 134 can include traditional telephones (with orwithout a terminal adapter), VoIP telephones and/or other telephonydevices.

In various embodiments, the media terminal 142 can include a cablehead-end or other TV head-end, a satellite receiver, gateway or othermedia terminal 142. The display devices 144 can include televisions withor without a set top box, personal computers and/or other displaydevices.

In various embodiments, the content sources 175 include broadcasttelevision and radio sources, video on demand platforms and streamingvideo and audio services platforms, one or more content data networks,data servers, web servers and other content servers, and/or othersources of media.

In various embodiments, the communications network 125 can includewired, optical and/or wireless links and the network elements 150, 152,154, 156, etc. can include service switching points, signal transferpoints, service control points, network gateways, media distributionhubs, servers, firewalls, routers, edge devices, switches and othernetwork nodes for routing and controlling communications traffic overwired, optical and wireless links as part of the Internet and otherpublic networks as well as one or more private networks, for managingsubscriber access, for billing and network management and for supportingother network functions.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system 200 functioning within the communication networkof FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein. In one ormore embodiments, the system 200 includes two data centers (depicted asdata center 1 and data center 2), each of which has multiple racks andmultiple cabinets of equipment. Each data center can be geographicallyseparate location. This equipment can include cards in the multipleracks or cabinets. Each card or several cards can be servers (videoserver, email server, content server, etc.) or storage devices (e.g.memory, databases, information repositories). Power is provided to eachrack or cabinet through a rack power distribution unit (RPDU). The RPDUis provided power by a floor PDU on a floor of a data center. The floorPDU can provide three phase power to multiple RPDUs or single phasepower to multiple RPDUs.

Each of the floor PDUs and RPDUs include a local software defined powerdistribution unit (LSD-PDU) controller and a software controlled powerswitch matrix (PSM) that controls the three phase power and the singlephase power to the rack equipment or cabinet equipment. The localsoftware defined power distribution unit controller can also be called alocal power distribution controller (LPDUC). Further, a central softwaredefined power distribution unit (CSD-PDU) controller controls powerprovided to the equipment in each data center including three phasepower and single phase power. The central software defined powerdistribution unit controller can also be called the central powerdistribution controller (CPDUC).

Also, the CSD-PDU controller or CPDUC can manage the power (three phaseor single phase) provided to the equipment in each data center accordingdifferent aggregation levels (depicted as Aggregation 1-4). In one datacenter, a group of racks including RPDUs that are provided three phasepower can be a first aggregation level (depicted as Aggregation 1). Inthe same data center, another group of cabinets including RPDUs that areprovided single phase power can be a second aggregation level (depictedas Aggregation 2). In another data center, a group of racks includingRPDUs and a group of cabinets including RPDUs, together, can be a thirdaggregation level (depicted as Aggregation 3). In addition, all theequipment in each data center can be in a fourth aggregation level(depicted as Aggregation 4).

The CPDUC is a device that shall detect and correct power phase loadimbalances within its configurable scope of management. Further, theCPUDC resides in a central power monitoring/management location. Therecould be a plurality of power circuits or equipment, powered by aplurality of power distribution units (PDUs), resident in a plurality ofpremises that could be configured to be the management scope of theCPDUC. The management scope can contain different aggregation levels. Inaddition, the CPDUC shall communicate with the LPDUC to gather phaseload data for each power socket of each PDU located in the managed scopeand build an aggregate or overall power phase load profile for any orall of the three power supply phases powering the managed scope. TheCPUDC can instruct the LPDUC to change the power phase coupling tocircuit or equipment load on any or all PDUs under management scope toachieve best possible power phase load balance. Phase load balance canbe achieved at various aggregation levels for e.g. each PDU level, eachcircuit level, each premise level, or aggregate multi-premises level.CPDUC and LPDUC can make these power phase to load coupling changes inreal time without the need for a power down of the circuits or equipmentload supplied through PDUs. The CPDUC and LPDUC interact usingauthentication and encryption based security model to protect managedscope from undesirable activity from hackers.

LPDUC is a device that is embedded in each power distribution unit(PDU). The LPDUC can gather and send load data for any or all of thethree phases coupled to the PDU power sockets to the CPDUC in a secureway. The LPDUC controls the coupling of the power phases to the PDUpower sockets and through that to the circuit or equipment loadconnected to the power socket. The power supply phase coupling to thePDU power sockets is managed using an embedded Software Controlled PowerSwitch Matrix (SCPSM). To achieve load balancing on supply phases, theCPDUC instructs the LPDUC on changes needed to power phase coupling toPDU power sockets and the LPDUC uses the SCPSM to realize the changesneeded. The LPDUC can change phase couplings in real time without theneed to power down the load i.e. non-disruptively. The CPDUC can controlpower supply phase coupling to any or all sockets of any or all PDUsunder its scope of management working with the LPDUCs in a secure andauthenticated way.

PDUs are used to supply power to circuits in a floor/building orequipment in a rack. Each PDU has power sockets to which power circuitsor equipment loads are connected. Each socket can be powered by one ormultiple phases of power depending on power draw requirements (e.g. lineto line or line to neutral configuration). There could be a plurality ofPDUs supplying a plurality of circuits or equipment in a plurality ofpremises. PDU houses the LPDUC and the SCPSM to enable dynamic and realtime changes of power phases coupling to each power socket supplyingpower to a circuit or an equipment load.

Management scope at which power phase load balancing is conducted isconfigurable at the CPDUC. Different levels could be configured asmanagement scope for power phase load balancing with associatedpriorities. At the PDU level, power supply phases are coupled toequipment loads through contained power sockets in a manner thatachieves the best power phase load balancing possible at the PDU level.At a Circuits level, the power phase coupling to load at each PDUassociated with the Circuits is maintained in a manner that achieves thebest possible power phase load balancing at the aggregate Circuitslevel. At the Premises level the power phase coupling to load at eachPDU associated with the Premises is maintained in a manner that achievesthe best possible power phase load balancing at the aggregate Premiseslevel. Each management scope level shall be assigned a priority at theCPUDC to indicate order of importance of achieving power phase loadbalancing at a particular level. The CPDUC shall use Scope and Priorityinformation to achieve desired power phase load balancing working withthe LPDUCs resident in the PDUs contained in its managed scope.

Power phase load balancing at the CPDUC can be conducted in multiplemodes. In the manual mode, the CPDUC works to gather power phase loaddata at the level configured as management scope. It can also gatherpower phase load data, on demand, at each level contained in the managedscope i.e. PDU level, circuit level, or premise level. This shall beused by power administrators to study power phase loading and implementmanual changes on power phase coupling to load at any or all levelsmentioned above. CPDUC shall provide validation through simulation thatpower phase coupling changes about to be implemented will achieve betterpower phase load balancing. CPDUC shall work with all the LPDUC in itsmanagement scope to realize needed power phase changes, implemented bythe power administrator, and provide confirmation of successfulcompletion. It shall be possible to schedule when changes should beapplied to provide for specific maintenance windows and flexibility ofoperation. In the automated mode, the CPDUC can gather power phase loaddata at each level in managed scope and then based on prioritiesconfigured for each level automatically generate needed changes in powerphase coupling to load at each level to achieve best possible powerphase load balancing at the managed scope. Machine learning and linearprogramming techniques shall be used as underlying techniques to studycurrent power phase loads and then generate needed changes at each levelto realize best possible power phase load balancing for the managedscope. In one or more embodiments, it shall be possible to configurewhen and how frequently automated mode scan of power phase loading runsto provide flexibility of operation.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system 210 functioning within the communication networkof FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein. Thesystem 210 can include a power distribution unit (PDU) that includes sixsockets, a breaker switch and a three phase power input as well asnetwork connectivity to a CSD PDU controller. The PDU can include aLSD-PDU controller and a software controlled power switch matrix.Sockets S1, S2, S3 are coupled to single phase power. Each socket S1,S2, S3 are provided 120 volts. Socket S1 is coupled to power phase C toneutral. Socket S2 is coupled to power phase B to neutral. Socket S3 iscoupled to power phase A to neutral. Sockets S4, S5, S6 are coupled tothree phase power. Each socket S4, S5, S6 are provided 208 volts. SocketS4 is coupled to power phase A to power phase B. Socket S5 is coupled topower phase B to power phase C. Socket S6 is coupled to power phase A topower phase C. Further, the software controlled power matrix switchincludes inputs from lines of each power phase A, B, C. Further, thesoftware controlled power switch matrix includes lines to each of thesix sockets S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6. The software controlled power switchmatrix coupled power phase C to socket S1, power phase B to socket S2,power phase A to socket S3, power phase B and A to socket S4, powerphase C and B to socket S5, power phase C and A to socket S6.

The LSD-PDUC, PSM, and CSD-PDUC control the power phase couplings to thesockets S1-S6 to load balance the equipment within the management scopeas described herein.

FIG. 2C depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 220 in accordancewith various aspects described herein. In one or more embodiments, aCPDUC can implement all or portions of the method 220 within a systemcomprising a plurality of PDUs, each of the PDUs comprising a LPDUCembedded therein, each of the PDUs comprising a SCPSM embedded therein,and a CPDUC, wherein a managed scope of the CPDUC comprises theplurality of PDUs supplying a plurality of circuits or equipment loadsin a plurality of premises. The method 220 can include, at 2222, theCPDUC receiving phase load data from the LPDUC for each power socket ofeach PDU located in the managed scope. Further, the method 220 caninclude, at 224, the CPDUC generating an aggregate power phase loadprofile for one or more of three power supply phases powering themanaged scope based on the phase load data received from the LPDUC foreach power socket of each PDU located in the managed scope. In addition,the method 220 can include, at 226, the CPDUC detecting a power phaseload imbalance within the managed scope. Also, the method 220 caninclude, at 226, the CPDUC providing instructions to at least one LPDUCto change a power phase coupled to the plurality of circuits orequipment loads supplied by at least one of the plurality of PDUs withinthe managed scope to improve the power phase load imbalance in realtime. The at least one LPDUC utilizes the SCPSM to change a physicalcoupling of the power phase to the plurality of circuits or equipmentloads without a need for a power down of the plurality of circuits orequipment loads supplied through the affected PDU affected by the phasecoupling changes.

In one or more embodiments, the providing of the instructions to improvethe power phase load imbalance comprises providing the instructionsusing a manual mode, which allows a power administrator to implementmanual changes on power phase couplings to circuit or equipment loadwithin the managed scope. The change to the power phase couplings isvalidated through simulation by the CPDUC.

In one or more embodiments, the providing of the instructions to improvethe power phase load imbalance comprises providing the instructionsusing an automated mode. The automated mode gathers phase load data anddetects any phase load imbalances and provides the instructionsautomatically to change the power phase coupled to the plurality ofcircuits or equipment loads within the managed scope based on prioritiesconfigured for each level in the managed scope. In some embodiments, theautomated mode can be conducted using machine learning techniques. Inother embodiments, the automated mode is conducted using linearprogramming techniques.

In one or more embodiments, the method 220 can include configuring afrequency and time of use of the automated mode to provide flexibilityof operation. In some embodiments, the CPDUC and LPDUC interact usingauthentication and encryption. In further embodiments, the instructionsare generated based on phase load balancing among various aggregationlevels in the managed scope. The various levels comprise each PDU level,each circuit level, each floor level, each premises level, or aggregatemulti-premises level. In additional embodiments, each power socket ispowered by one or multiple phases of power depending on power drawrequirements according to a line to line configuration, or a line toneutral configuration.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 2C, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein. Further, portionsof embodiments described herein can be combined with portions of otherembodiments described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , a block diagram 300 is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication networkin accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular avirtualized communication network is presented that can be used toimplement some or all of the subsystems and functions of communicationnetwork 100, the subsystems and functions of systems 200, 210 and method220 presented in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3 .

In one or more embodiments, virtualized network function cloud can beimplemented by a communication network that comprises one or moreoperations centers that include premises equipment. In one or moreembodiments, communications network 100 comprises one or more datacenters that include premises equipment. In addition, the premisesequipment are coupled to a power distribution unit that comprises asoftware controller power matrix switch. Power distribution unitsprovide power and monitor the phase loading due to a plurality ofpremises circuits and equipment. Further, CPDUC can communicate with theSCPSM through the LPDUC to adjust load from premises circuits andequipment on power supply phases.

In particular, a cloud networking architecture is shown that leveragescloud technologies and supports rapid innovation and scalability via atransport layer 350, a virtualized network function cloud 325 and/or oneor more cloud computing environments 375. In various embodiments, thiscloud networking architecture is an open architecture that leveragesapplication programming interfaces (APIs); reduces complexity fromservices and operations; supports more nimble business models; andrapidly and seamlessly scales to meet evolving customer requirementsincluding traffic growth, diversity of traffic types, and diversity ofperformance and reliability expectations.

In contrast to traditional network elements—which are typicallyintegrated to perform a single function, the virtualized communicationnetwork employs virtual network elements 330, 332, 334, etc. thatperform some or all of the functions of network elements 150, 152, 154,156, etc. For example, the network architecture can provide a substrateof networking capability, often called Network Function VirtualizationInfrastructure (NFVI) or simply infrastructure that is capable of beingdirected with software and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocolsto perform a broad variety of network functions and services. Thisinfrastructure can include several types of substrates. The most typicaltype of substrate being servers that support Network FunctionVirtualization (NFV), followed by packet forwarding capabilities basedon generic computing resources, with specialized network technologiesbrought to bear when general purpose processors or general purposeintegrated circuit devices offered by merchants (referred to herein asmerchant silicon) are not appropriate. In this case, communicationservices can be implemented as cloud-centric workloads.

As an example, a traditional network element 150 (shown in FIG. 1 ),such as an edge router can be implemented via a virtual network element330 composed of NFV software modules, merchant silicon, and associatedcontrollers. The software can be written so that increasing workloadconsumes incremental resources from a common resource pool, and moreoverso that it's elastic: so the resources are only consumed when needed. Ina similar fashion, other network elements such as other routers,switches, edge caches, and middle-boxes are instantiated from the commonresource pool. Such sharing of infrastructure across a broad set of usesmakes planning and growing infrastructure easier to manage.

In an embodiment, the transport layer 350 includes fiber, cable, wiredand/or wireless transport elements, network elements and interfaces toprovide broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130,media access 140 and/or access to content sources 175 for distributionof content to any or all of the access technologies. In particular, insome cases a network element needs to be positioned at a specific place,and this allows for less sharing of common infrastructure. Other times,the network elements have specific physical layer adapters that cannotbe abstracted or virtualized, and might require special DSP code andanalog front-ends (AFEs) that do not lend themselves to implementationas virtual network elements 330, 332 or 334. These network elements canbe included in transport layer 350.

The virtualized network function cloud 325 interfaces with the transportlayer 350 to provide the virtual network elements 330, 332, 334, etc. toprovide specific NFVs. In particular, the virtualized network functioncloud 325 leverages cloud operations, applications, and architectures tosupport networking workloads. The virtualized network elements 330, 332and 334 can employ network function software that provides either aone-for-one mapping of traditional network element function oralternately some combination of network functions designed for cloudcomputing. For example, virtualized network elements 330, 332 and 334can include route reflectors, domain name system (DNS) servers, anddynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) servers, system architectureevolution (SAE) and/or mobility management entity (MME) gateways,broadband network gateways, IP edge routers for IP-VPN, Ethernet andother services, load balancers, distributers and other network elements.Because these elements don't typically need to forward large amounts oftraffic, their workload can be distributed across a number ofservers—each of which adds a portion of the capability, and overallwhich creates an elastic function with higher availability than itsformer monolithic version. These virtual network elements 330, 332, 334,etc. can be instantiated and managed using an orchestration approachsimilar to those used in cloud compute services.

The cloud computing environments 375 can interface with the virtualizednetwork function cloud 325 via APIs that expose functional capabilitiesof the VNE 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide the flexible and expandedcapabilities to the virtualized network function cloud 325. Inparticular, network workloads may have applications distributed acrossthe virtualized network function cloud 325 and cloud computingenvironment 375 and in the commercial cloud, or might simply orchestrateworkloads supported entirely in NFV infrastructure from these thirdparty locations.

Turning now to FIG. 4A, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein. In order to provide additional context for various embodimentsof the embodiments described herein, FIG. 4A and the followingdiscussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of asuitable computing environment 400 in which the various embodiments ofthe subject disclosure can be implemented. In particular, computingenvironment 400 can be used in the implementation of network elements150, 152, 154, 156, access terminal 112, base station or access point122, switching device 132, media terminal 142, and/or virtual networkelements 330, 332, 334, etc. as well as CPDUC (software). Each of thesedevices can be implemented via computer-executable instructions that canrun on one or more computers, and/or in combination with other programmodules and/or as a combination of hardware and software.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

As used herein, a processing circuit includes one or more processors aswell as other application specific circuits such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit, digital logic circuit, state machine,programmable gate array or other circuit that processes input signals ordata and that produces output signals or data in response thereto. Itshould be noted that while any functions and features described hereinin association with the operation of a processor could likewise beperformed by a processing circuit.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devicesor other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to storedesired information. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or“non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 4A, the example environment can comprise acomputer 402, the computer 402 comprising a processing unit 404, asystem memory 406 and a system bus 408.

In one or more embodiments, a computing device. In one or moreembodiments, computing device shall host a CPDUC which shall beimplemented in software and will run on computer 400 described herein.The system bus 408 couples system components including, but not limitedto, the system memory 406 to the processing unit 404. The processingunit 404 can be any of various commercially available processors. Dualmicroprocessors and other multiprocessor architectures can also beemployed as the processing unit 404.

The system bus 408 can be any of several types of bus structure that canfurther interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 406comprises ROM 410 and RAM 412. A basic input/output system (BIOS) can bestored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines thathelp to transfer information between elements within the computer 402,such as during startup. The RAM 412 can also comprise a high-speed RAMsuch as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 402 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 414(e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 414 can also beconfigured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), amagnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 416, (e.g., to read from or write to aremovable diskette 418) and an optical disk drive 420, (e.g., reading aCD-ROM disk 422 or, to read from or write to other high capacity opticalmedia such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 414, magnetic disk drive 416and optical disk drive 420 can be connected to the system bus 408 by ahard disk drive interface 424, a magnetic disk drive interface 426 andan optical drive interface 428, respectively. The interface 424 forexternal drive implementations comprises at least one or both ofUniversal Serial Bus (USB) and Institute of Electrical and ElectronicsEngineers (IEEE) 1394 interface technologies. Other external driveconnection technologies are within contemplation of the embodimentsdescribed herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 402, the drives and storagemedia accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable storage media above refersto a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and aremovable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other types of storage media which arereadable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flashmemory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the exampleoperating environment, and further, that any such storage media cancontain computer-executable instructions for performing the methodsdescribed herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 412,comprising an operating system 430, one or more application programs432, other program modules 434 and program data 436. All or portions ofthe operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 412. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 402 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 438 and apointing device, such as a mouse 440. Other input devices (not shown)can comprise a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick,a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like. These and otherinput devices are often connected to the processing unit 404 through aninput device interface 442 that can be coupled to the system bus 408,but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, anIEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 444 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 408 via an interface, such as a video adapter 446. Itwill also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a monitor 444can also be any display device (e.g., another computer having a display,a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.) for receiving displayinformation associated with computer 402 via any communication means,including via the Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to themonitor 444, a computer typically comprises other peripheral outputdevices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 402 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 448. The remotecomputer(s) 448 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer402, although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device 450is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprise wired/wirelessconnectivity to a local area network (LAN) 452 and/or larger networks,e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 454. Such LAN and WAN networkingenvironments are commonplace in offices and companies, and facilitateenterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all of which canconnect to a global communications network, e.g., the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 402 can beconnected to the local network 452 through a wired and/or wirelesscommunication network interface or adapter 456. The adapter 456 canfacilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 452, which canalso comprise a wireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with thewireless adapter 456.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 402 can comprisea modem 458 or can be connected to a communications server on the WAN454 or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 454,such as by way of the Internet. The modem 458, which can be internal orexternal and a wired or wireless device, can be connected to the systembus 408 via the input device interface 442. In a networked environment,program modules depicted relative to the computer 402 or portionsthereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 450. It willbe appreciated that the network connections shown are example and othermeans of establishing a communications link between the computers can beused.

The computer 402 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can comprise WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, thecommunication can be a predefined structure as with a conventionalnetwork or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radiotechnologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, ag etc.) to providesecure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can beused to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wirednetworks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operatein the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or with productsthat contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can providereal-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernetnetworks used in many offices.

Referring to FIG. 4B, in one or embodiments, a system 460 comprises asingle chip computer. System 460 comprises a central processing unit, amemory 464, memory controller 466, an input/out (I/O) module 468, I/Ocontroller 470, bus controller 472, and a timing module 472, all ofwhich can be communicatively coupled through a bus 474. Memory caninclude random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flashmemory, or any other data storage device. A PDU can comprise anembodiment of a single chip computer or microcontroller such as system460. Further, such a system 460 can be used to implement a LPDUC andcontrol the SCPSM. SCPSM can be implemented through an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Turning now to FIG. 5 , an embodiment 500 of a mobile network platform510 (note, embodiments can also be applied in wireline, could artificialintelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and other applications) isshown that is an example of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156, and/orvirtual network elements 330, 332, 334, etc. In one or more embodiments,the mobile network platform 510 comprises one or more data centers thatinclude equipment. PDUs provide single phase or three phase power to thepremises equipment and the CPDUC working with the LPDUC and the SCPSMhelp detect and balance any phase load imbalances.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 5 , and the following discussion, are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in whichthe various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on acomputer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination withother program modules. Generally, program modules comprise routines,programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particulartasks and/or implement particular abstract data types.

Turning now to FIG. 6 , an illustrative embodiment of a communicationdevice 600 is shown. The communication device 600 can serve as anillustrative embodiment of devices such as data terminals 114, mobiledevices 124, vehicle 126, display devices 144 or other client devicesfor communication via either communications network 125. In otherembodiments, the communication device 600 can be part of, or integratedin, a power distribution unit, software controller power matrix switch,or power distribution unit controllers, as described herein.

The communication device 600 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 602 (herein transceiver 602), a user interface (UI) 604, apower supply 614, a location receiver 616, a motion sensor 618, anorientation sensor 620, and a controller 606 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 602 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 602 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 608 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device600. The keypad 608 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 600 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 608 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 604 can further include a display610 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 600. In anembodiment where the display 610 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 608 can be presented by way of the display 610 withnavigation features.

The display 610 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 600 can be adapted to present a user interfacehaving graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The touch screen display 610 can beequipped with capacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technologyto detect how much surface area of a user's finger has been placed on aportion of the touch screen display. This sensing information can beused to control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functionsof the user interface. The display 610 can be an integral part of thehousing assembly of the communication device 600 or an independentdevice communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface(such as a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 612 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 612 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI604 can further include an image sensor 613 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 614 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 600 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable communications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 616 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 600 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 618can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 600 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 620 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device600 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 600 can use the transceiver 602 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 606 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 600.

Other components not shown in FIG. 6 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only anddoesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” data storage,” “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage. Further,nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory cancomprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cachememory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available inmany forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter can bepracticed with other computer system configurations, comprisingsingle-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computingdevices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, smartphone, watch, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, etc.), microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like. Theillustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network; however, some if not allaspects of the subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alonecomputers. In a distributed computing environment, program modules canbe located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

As used in some contexts in this application, in some embodiments, theterms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to refer to, orcomprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to anoperational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, whereinthe entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. As an example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By wayof illustration and not limitation, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components mayreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component maybe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. In addition, these components can execute from variouscomputer readable media having various data structures stored thereon.The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such asin accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., datafrom one component interacting with another component in a local system,distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet withother systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be anapparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical partsoperated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by asoftware or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein theprocessor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes atleast a part of the software or firmware application. As yet anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality ofthe electronic components. While various components have beenillustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiplecomponents can be implemented as a single component, or a singlecomponent can be implemented as multiple components, without departingfrom example embodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can include, but arenot limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications can be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless contextwarrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based, at least, on complex mathematical formalisms),which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimizespace usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor canalso be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage,” data storage,” “database,”and substantially any other information storage component relevant tooperation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

What has been described above includes mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) “operably coupled to”, “coupledto”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/orindirect coupling between items via one or more intervening items. Suchitems and intervening items include, but are not limited to, junctions,communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functionalblocks, and/or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signalconveyed from a first item to a second item may be modified by one ormore intervening items by modifying the form, nature or format ofinformation in a signal, while one or more elements of the informationin the signal are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can berecognized by the second item. In a further example of indirectcoupling, an action in a first item can cause a reaction on the seconditem, as a result of actions and/or reactions in one or more interveningitems.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a plurality of powerdistribution units (PDUs), each of the PDUs comprising a local powerdistribution controller (LPDUC) embedded therein, each of the PDUscomprising a software controlled power switch matrix (SCPSM) embeddedtherein, and each of the PDUs comprising a power socket; and a centralpower distribution controller (CPDUC) comprising a processor, wherein amanaged scope of the CPDUC comprises the plurality of PDUs supplying aplurality of circuits or equipment loads in a plurality of premises,wherein operations of the CPDUC comprise: configuring the CPDUC in anautomated mode; in response to the configuring the CPDUC in theautomated mode: generating an aggregate power phase load profile for oneor more of three power supply phases powering the managed scope based onphase load data that is received from the LPDUC for each power socket ofeach PDU located in the managed scope; determining a priority for eachof a plurality of identified levels within the managed scope resultingin a plurality of priorities, wherein each of the plurality ofidentified levels is associated with a portion of the plurality of PDUs;and determining an automated mode change in a power phase coupled to theplurality of circuits or the equipment loads supplied by at least one ofthe plurality of PDUs within the managed scope based on the plurality ofpriorities; configuring the CPDUC in a manual mode; in response to theconfiguring the CPDUC in the manual mode: receiving user-generated inputthat indicates changing the power phase coupled to the plurality ofcircuits or the equipment loads supplied by at least one of theplurality of PDUs within the managed scope; in response to the receivingthe user-generated input, determining a manual mode change in a powerphase coupled to the plurality of circuits or the equipment loadssupplied by at least one of the plurality of PDUs within the managedscope based on the user-generated input to improve a power phase loadimbalance in real time; and in response to a validating of the manualmode change in the power phase, providing instructions to at least oneLPDUC to change the power phase coupled to the plurality of circuits orthe equipment loads supplied by the at least one of the plurality ofPDUs within the managed scope to improve the power phase load imbalancein real time, to obtain a power phase coupling, wherein the at least oneLPDUC utilizes the SCPSM to change a physical coupling of the powerphase to the plurality of circuits or the equipment loads without a needfor powering down of the plurality of circuits or the equipment loadssupplied through an affected PDU affected by the change to the powerphase.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the validating of the manualmode change in the power phase is through simulation by the CPDUC, andwherein the providing of the instructions to improve the power phaseload imbalance comprises providing the instructions that allow a poweradministrator to implement manual changes on power phase couplingswithin the managed scope.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein theproviding of the instructions to improve the power phase load imbalancecomprises providing the instructions based on the plurality ofpriorities for the plurality of identified levels in the managed scope.4. The system of claim 3, wherein the automated mode is conducted usingmachine learning techniques.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein theautomated mode is conducted using linear programming techniques.
 6. Thesystem of claim 3, wherein the operations further comprise configuring afrequency and time of use of the automated mode to provide flexibilityof operation.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the CPDUC and each LPDUCinteract using authentication and encryption.
 8. The system of claim 1,wherein the instructions are generated based on load balancing amongvarious aggregation levels in the managed scope, wherein the variousaggregation levels comprise each PDU level, each circuit level, eachfloor level, each premises level, or aggregate multi-premises level. 9.The system of claim 1, wherein each power socket is powered by one ormultiple phases of power depending on power draw requirements accordingto a line-to-line configuration, or a line-to-neutral configuration. 10.A non-transitory, machine-readable medium, comprising executableinstructions that, when executed by a central power distributioncontroller (CPDUC) comprising a processor, facilitate performance ofoperations, the operations comprising: configuring the CPDUC in anautomated mode; in response to the configuring the CPDUC in theautomated mode: receiving phase load data from a respective local powerdistribution controller (LPDUC) for each power socket of each powerdistribution unit (PDU) located in a managed scope, wherein the CPDUCcommunicates with a plurality of power distribution units (PDUs), eachof the PDUs comprising the respective LPDUC embedded therein, each ofthe PDUs comprising a respective software controlled power switch matrix(SCPSM) embedded therein, wherein the managed scope of the CPDUCcomprises the plurality of PDUs supplying a plurality of circuits orequipment loads in a plurality of premises; generating an aggregatepower phase load profile for one or more of three power supply phasespowering the managed scope based on the phase load data received fromthe respective LPDUC for each power socket of each PDU located in themanaged scope; determining a priority for each of a plurality ofidentified levels within the managed scope resulting in a plurality ofpriorities, wherein each of the plurality of identified levels isassociated with a portion of the plurality of PDUs; and determining anautomated mode change in power phase coupled to the plurality ofcircuits or the equipment loads supplied by at least one of theplurality of PDUs within the managed scope based on the plurality ofpriorities; configuring the CPDUC in a manual mode; in response to theconfiguring the CPDUC in the manual mode: receiving user-generated inputthat indicates changing the power phase coupled to the plurality ofcircuits or the equipment loads supplied by at least one of theplurality of PDUs within the managed scope; in response to the receivingthe user-generated input, determining a manual mode change in powerphase coupled to the plurality of circuits or the equipment loadssupplied by at least one of the plurality of PDUs within the managedscope based on the user-generated input to improve a power phase loadimbalance in real time; and in response to a validating of the manualmode change in the power phase, providing instructions to at least oneLPDUC to change a power phase coupled to the plurality of circuits orthe equipment loads supplied by at least one of the plurality of PDUswithin the managed scope to improve the power phase load imbalance inreal time, wherein the at least one LPDUC utilizes the SCPSM to change aphysical coupling of the power phase to the plurality of circuits or theequipment loads without a need for powering down of the plurality ofcircuits or the equipment loads supplied through an affected PDUaffected by the phase coupling changes.
 11. The non-transitory,machine-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the validating of themanual mode change to the power phase is through simulation by theCPDUC, and wherein the providing of the instructions to improve thepower phase load imbalance comprises providing the instructions thatallow a power administrator to implement manual changes on power phasecouplings within the managed scope.
 12. The non-transitory,machine-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the providing of theinstructions to improve the power phase load imbalance comprisesproviding the instructions based on the plurality of priorities for theplurality of identified levels in the managed scope.
 13. Thenon-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 12, wherein theautomated mode is conducted using machine learning techniques.
 14. Thenon-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 12, wherein theautomated mode is conducted using linear programming techniques.
 15. Thenon-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 12, wherein theoperations further comprise configuring a frequency and time of use ofthe automated mode to provide flexibility of operation.
 16. A method,comprising: configuring, by a central power distribution controller(CPDUC) including a processor, the CPDUC in an automated mode; inresponse to the configuring the CPDUC in the automated mode: receiving,by the CPDUC, phase load data from a respective local power distributioncontroller (LPDUC) for each power socket of each power distribution unit(PDU) located in a managed scope, wherein the CPDUC communicates with aplurality of power distribution units (PDUs), each of the PDUscomprising the respective LPDUC embedded therein, each of the PDUscomprising a respective software controlled power switch matrix (SCPSM)embedded therein, wherein the managed scope of the CPDUC comprises theplurality of PDUs supplying a plurality of circuits or equipment loadsin a plurality of premises; generating, by the CPDUC, an aggregate powerphase load profile for one or more of three power supply phases poweringthe managed scope based on the phase load data received from therespective LPDUC for each power socket of each PDU located in themanaged scope; determining, by the CPDUC, a priority for each of aplurality of identified levels within the managed scope resulting in aplurality of priorities, wherein each of the plurality of identifiedlevels is associated with a portion of the plurality of PDUs; anddetermining, by the CPDUC, an automated mode change in a power phasecoupled to the plurality of circuits or the equipment loads supplied byat least one of the plurality of PDUs within the managed scope based onthe plurality of priorities; configuring, by the CPDUC, the CPDUC in amanual mode; in response to the configuring the CPDUC in the manualmode: receiving, by the CPDUC, user-generated input that indicateschanging the power phase coupled to the plurality of circuits or theequipment loads supplied by at least one of the plurality of PDUs withinthe managed scope; in response to the receiving the user-generatedinput, determining, by the CPDUC, a manual mode change in power phasecoupled to the plurality of circuits or the equipment loads supplied byat least one of the plurality of PDUs within the managed scope based onthe user-generated input to improve a power phase load imbalance in realtime; and in response to a validating of the manual mode change in thepower phase, providing, by the CPDUC, instructions to at least one LPDUCto change a power phase coupled to the plurality of circuits or theequipment loads supplied by at least one of the plurality of PDUs withinthe managed scope to improve the power phase load imbalance in realtime, wherein the at least one LPDUC utilizes the SCPSM to change aphysical coupling of the power phase to the plurality of circuits or theequipment loads without a need for powering down of the plurality ofcircuits or the equipment loads supplied through an affected PDUaffected by the phase coupling changes.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein the validating of the manual mode change in the power phase isthrough simulation by the CPDUC, and wherein the providing of theinstructions to improve the power phase load imbalance comprisesproviding, by the CPDUC, the instructions that allows a poweradministrator to implement manual changes on power phase couplingswithin the managed scope.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein theproviding of the instructions to improve the power phase load imbalancecomprises providing, by the CPDUC, the instructions based on theplurality of priorities for the plurality of identified levels in themanaged scope.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the automated mode isconducted using machine learning techniques.
 20. The method of claim 18,wherein the automated mode is conducted using linear programmingtechniques.